Decision

The Committee resolved (7 for, 2 against) to:

(1)      Note the content of the letter from MHCLG dated 20 August 2026 (Appendix 4 to the report)

(2)      Recommend that EEBC officers request to meet with the Chief Executive and Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Growth of the Shadow East Surrey Unitary Authority to determine how to progress this requirement in the context of Local Government Reorganisation, with the outcome of those discussions to be reported back to a future meeting of this committee.